I love everybody (even animals). When I’m out and about I always give the other canines a hello sniff and humans a chance to pet me. I’m an extrovert. I get a charge by being with others. I thrive on lots of social engagements, loads of friends and exciting things (like treats).

I’m sure Peggy & Judy are introverts. (When I take them on walks they want to just walk and not stop and sniff anyone).

Did you know that having an introverted personality was once considered part of a mental disorder? (I think Peggy & Judy might be disordered, but not mentally.)

Peggy & Judy would be better off if they were more extroverted because they live in the United States where extraversion is valued. So I’m planing on how to make them more valued and this is what I found out:

1. Introverts enjoy having time to themselves. P & J would rather spend time reading, gardening and blogging. They even like to go shopping alone. I give them as much quiet, alone time as possible because it’s important to their sense of well-being. (They recharge their batteries by being alone which is puzzling and, might I say, rather boring. I’m planning on taking them on walks more often so they learn to socialize.)

2. Introverts best thinking occurs when they’re alone.I’ve noticed they come up with creative solutions on their own and then they tell each other what they think. (Sometimes the solutions are weird . . . I think they think too much. I’m planning on taking them on more walks so they learn not to be so weird)

3. Introverts lead best when others are self-starters. They can be the best leaders of all if the group is ready to lead itself, then the introverted leaderwill draw the most potential out of them. (I’m planning on taking them on more walks to practice leading me so I can draw the most potential out of them.)

4. Introverts are content to let others take center stage. Extraverts, like me, are ready and eager to stand out in any social situation. It’s not that introverts know less than others; they just don’t feel a particular need to be in that limelight. (I’m not planning on doing anything about this since they tend to hog all the credit for my blogs)

5. Other people ask introverts their opinion. They are less likely to volunteer opinions or advice in less public settings. People high in introversion will keep their views to themselves and let the noisy extraverts take control. (I’m not planning on doing anything about this since they are already EXTREMELY opinionated. You’re welcome.)

6. Introverts do not engage with people who seem angry or upset. This is true. P & J will drag me on the other side of the street if they see a big dog coming. People high in introversion don’t want to look at someone who seems mad. this is because they are more sensitive to potentially negative evaluations. (I’m not planning on doing anything about this since I also enjoy peace, quiet and lots of loving attention)

7. Introverts receive more calls, texts, and emails than they make, unless there’s no choice. All other things being equal, people high in introversion don’t reach out voluntarily to their social circles. If they have a few minutes to spare, they won’t initiate a call just to pass the time by socializing. They don’t generate emails and other written correspondence but instead react to the communications they receive from others. If you have no choice but to initiate communications, such as when they invite people to a social event, they will be less likely to pick up the phone and make a call and more likely to send the request through cyberspace or the post office. (THIS IS REALLY TRUE about Judy. She hates to talk on the phone. When the phone rings she starts twitching. Peggy talks on the phone A LOT. I’m not planning on doing anything about this since I don’t care)

8. Being an introvert definitely has its advantages. You’re less likely to make a social gaffe, such as by inadvertently insulting someone whose opinion you don’t agree with. They enjoy reflecting on their own thoughts and are rarely likely to get bored when they’re alone than someone who needs constant social stimulation.(I’m planning on helping them learn how to pet and scratch me more. Stimulation is a good thing.)

Freddie, you wrote an excellent post about introverts. It came from your heart as you obviously love P&J. I think all you really need is walk that’s a bit longer so you can have more time to drag them over to interesting people and allow them time to start yakking. Then you can have more time to sniff their doggies and they can have time for their introversion to take a turn toward extroversion – maybe ambiversion, as you suggest

In the meantime, please ask J to contact me so we can arrange other extro activities – like arting in the park. I promise to bring a treat for you.

Sharon,
You are sooooooo kind! And sooooooo right. A longer walk is exactly what I need. And treats. I will definitely get busy on having Judy contact you, I can’t wait to go walking with you, and tasting the treats you so generously offered to bring.
Freddie Parker Westerfield, C.H.W.E.
Canine Human Walker Extrodinaire

Linda,
Yes, I set high goals for myself. Taking care of humans demands a lot. This is especially true now that Peggy is in the picture in addition to Judy and Dave. My work is challenging. I must see to it that they get exercise, and make sure they do their marketing that they will have treats for me. I make sure Judy and Dave take showers, and they give me a bath now and then. Peggy–Im not so sure about her clenliness, although her house smells good when I am there. I think that is because she mows her lawn and I like the smell of freshly cut grass. I like the taste of grass, too. Too bad Judy doesn’t grow any grass. When I hint about it she just laughs.
Freddie Parker Westerfield, L.H.C.C.
Licensed Human Caretaker Canine